Itauz Mine

Mindat.org

Zhilandy group, Satpayev, Ulytau Region, Kazakhstan

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Key Information

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  • Itauz Mine is located in Satpayev, Ulytau Region, Kazakhstan, about 60 km from Dzhezkazgan City.

  • The mine is known for producing copper and associated minerals like azurite, bornite, calcite, cuprite, and malachite.

  • Research suggests the geological structure includes sedimentary rocks, specifically Permian-age ore-bearing sandstones.

  • Mining was active in the mid-2000s, with the oxidized zone now exhausted.

  • The area has a sharply continental, arid climate with cold winters and hot summers, and is part of a semi-desert landscape.

  • Satpayev city, named after scientist Kanysh Satbayev, reflects the region's mining heritage and cultural significance.

Location and Geography

The Itauz Mine is nestled in the Ulytau Region, near Satpayev, Kazakhstan, approximately 60 km from Dzhezkazgan City, a key copper mining hub. Its coordinates are 48° 16' 0'' N, 67° 19' 59'' E, placing it in central Kazakhstan, an area rich in mining history.

Minerals and Geology

This mine is a treasure for mineral enthusiasts, primarily known for its copper, with stunning crystallized specimens. It also yields azurite, bornite, calcite, cuprite, and malachite. The geological setting includes sedimentary rocks, specifically Permian-age ore-bearing sandstones, arranged in the Kingir Anticline, adding to its unique mineral formation story.

Mining History and Operations

Active in the mid-2000s, particularly around 2005-2007, the mine's oxidized zone, which produced these beautiful copper crystals, is now exhausted, making its specimens highly collectible.

Local Culture and Climate

Satpayev, named after Kanysh Satbayev, a notable Kazakh scientist, was established in 1954 for miners and has a population of about 69,782. The Ulytau Region, with its cultural heritage sites like the Mausoleums of Ulytau, offers a blend of history and natural beauty. The climate is sharply continental and arid, with cold winters and hot summers, set against a semi-desert landscape.

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